Updated sandbag locations and information - News Release #34

Localized Flooding May 2017

Kelowna, B.C – Flooding is imminent starting late Thursday as a result of rain, rising temperatures and melting snow pack while the ground is already saturated. Residents who experienced flooding last weekend will likely see flooding again and additional properties in low-lying areas near creeks and lakes will likely be affected.

Rising water levels are not an isolated event and this is happening across the region, residents need to be proactive and take steps to protect their properties. Sand and sandbags are available throughout the region but demand is huge and is continually being replenished. Please check cordemergency.ca for updates on sand locations throughout the day.

In Kelowna, sandbags are available at City of Kelowna Fire Station #1 at 2255 Enterprise Way.

      Sand is available at:

  • Cook Road Boat Launch outside the Hotel Eldorado on Cook Road,
  • Burne Avenue, west of Ethel Street at Mill Creek
  • Rowcliffe Avenue at Richter Street
  • 221 Adams Road (Industrial Park)

In West Kelowna,

Sandbags and sand is available at:

  • 1341 Green Bay Road
  • 2606 Casa Loma
  • Pritchard Park at 1587 Pritchard Drive
  • 4081 Hitchner Road
  • Pebbles Beach Park at 2589 Whitworth Road

For Lake Country residents, sandbags are available at Swalwell Park and at Lake Country Okanagan Centre Fire Hall (10591 Okanagan Centre Road East)

      Sand is available at:

  • Swalwell Park at 9950 Bottom Wood Lake Road
  • Commonwealth Road by Holiday Park
  • Deldor Road

How to fill a sandbag

Filling sandbags is normally a two-person job. One person should crouch with feet apart and arms extended, with the bottom of the empty bag on the ground, holding the bag open while another person shovels sand into the bag.

Step 1
Fill the bag halfway. Do not add more sand, as it will not help. Filling the bag halfway with sand allows the bag to be moved more easily. A properly filled sand bag should weigh between 35-40 lbs. Be sure to wear gloves, plus goggles to protect your eyes from the sand.

Step 2
Close the top of the bag. Scrunch the walls of the bag together like a candy bag. Sandbags filled one-half to two-thirds full should generally be left untied.

Step 3
Use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury and fatigue. Lift with your legs and bend at the knees to save your back.

Lay the sandbag flat and roughly parallel to the expected flow of water and debris. Make sure the closed end of the sandbag is facing in the general direction of the expected flow, and fold the open end of the sandbag diagonally away from the expected flow.

Check out more tips for sandbag preparation from Prepared BC at https://www.flickr.com/photos/emergencyinfobc/33423039345/

For up to date information on the situation including a map and to sign up for e-updates, visit www.cordemergency.ca. Information will also be provided via the https://twitter.com/CO_Emerg and https://www.facebook.com/CORDEmergency/ or by phone at 250-469-8490 or 1-877-569-8490 (toll-free).